Hydration vest with removable waist pack with phone charger application

ABSTRACT

A waist pack and vest assembly for attachment and detachment for switching between such form factors, including an attachment mechanism for securing the waist pack component to the vest component so as to enable the wearer to select between a hip based load and a chest/back load for carrying hydration, nutrition, personal items, and electronic devices in situ.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed towards a hydration vest with a removable waist pack and phone charger application. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed toward a combinable yet modular vest and belt assembly to provide hydration to runners, bikers, hikers, climbers, triathletes and similar persons undergoing exercise wherein the device provides support for accessing one or more of communication, nutrition, hydration, storage, identification or personal items in situ.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There exists an ongoing debate around whether runners and bikers should use hydration vests or waist packs during their respective exercises. In the prior art, there exists a variety of waist packs and hydration vests, each with a separate approach to placing a load on the wearer.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,439B1 (Kelliher et al.) discloses a combination backpack and hydration pack having a hydration pack portion and a standard backpack portion that are detachably connected to each other. Another backpack disclosed in US 2008/0210728A1 (Bihn) teaches a backpack, a solar panel assembly attached to the top half of the backpack, a battery contained in the backpack and in electrical communication with the solar panel, and an interchangeable battery recharge cord for recharging external battery-operated devices.

By comparison, U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,835A (Payne) discloses a carrier apparatus comprising an adjustable belt adapted to be secured about a person's waist, a reusable beverage container, an elastic harness fixed to the belt and adapted to selectively secure the beverage container therein, and a storage receptacle fixed to the belt in spaced relation to the elastic harness and adapted to securely enclose small articles therein.

To date, athletes, hikers and other people engaging in exercise have had to choose between such varied approaches. As a related problem, such athletes and outdoors participants have encountered weight distribution and limited customization options for runs, bikes, hikes, etc. Many bikers prefer packs sitting up high, while many runners tend to like the weight on the hips. For long runs, there exists difficulties with existing approaches due to changes in distribution of weight over the course of the run due to the consumption of water bottles on a belt.

A related problem arises with the need to support the electronic devices of the wearer in the process of bicycling, running, hiking or the like. That is, many hikers, campers, runners, cyclists and the like have immediate needs to power and access electronic devices used for GPS, exercise and fitness tracking, communications, and other varied functions. Unfortunately, a very real limitation on such devices is their effective battery life.

Thus, there is a need to provide an apparatus which enables a user to switch between vest and belt form factors to accommodate user preferences and/or changes in user activities influencing such preferences.

Additionally, there is a further need to provide a combined apparatus that can support and power electronic devices along with hydration and storage functions in vest and belt form factors.

Definition of Terms

The following terms are used in the claims of the patent as filed and are intended to have their broadest plain and ordinary meaning consistent with the requirements of the law.

A “waist pack” is a belt strap or band for carrying a load on the waist and/or hips used by runners, bicyclists, hikers, climbers, triathletes and similar persons undergoing exercise wherein the device provides support for one or more of hydration, communication, nutrition, storage, identification or personal items in situ.

A hydration vest is an article of clothing, typically sleeveless, worn around the chest, back, and shoulders and used by runners, bicyclists, hikers, climbers, triathletes and similar persons undergoing exercise wherein the device provides support for hydration and one or more of communication, nutrition, storage, identification or personal items in situ.

Where alternative meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims set forth below are intended to be used in the normal, customary usage of grammar and the English language.

Objects and Summary of the Disclosure

The present disclosure solves existing needs for a combined waist pack and hydration vest, wherein the belt and vest have comprise separable components allowing for the wearer to detach the components from one another so as to choose a given form factor (i.e., vest, belt, or both) for a given activity. In a first embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes a drawbridge mechanism that opens a flap in the back of the vest which secures the belt component to the vest. Thus, the wearer can activate the drawbridge mechanism in situ to detach the components and select a form factor for use. Further variants of this embodiment include lateral snaps or a lumbar traversing pocket which similarly enable a user to attach or detach the belt and vest components at will. Still another embodiment would entail a charger within an internal pocket of the device (either in the vest and/or belt components) which include an adapter for USB, lightning, or comparable connector to attach to an electronic device carried by the wearer.

Thus, it can be seen that one object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism and configuration for allowing a wearer to choose between the belt and/or vest configurations for hydration and storage during a variety of exercise formats, including, but not limited to, cycling, running, hiking or climbing.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a combination hydration vest/belt mechanism to support and power electronic devices stored or worn by a user in situ.

It will be understood that not every claim will employ each and every object as set forth above in the operation of the present invention. However, these and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments, considered along with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows a perspective outward-facing view a first preferred embodiment of the belt and vest components assembled, respectively, of the present invention.

FIG. 1b shows an outward-facing view a first preferred embodiment of the belt or waist pack component of the present invention.

FIG. 1c shows an outward-facing rearview a first preferred embodiment of the vest component of the present invention with the engagement mechanism open.

FIG. 1d shows an outward-facing rearview a first preferred embodiment of the vest component of the present invention with the waist pack engaged and the engagement mechanism closed.

FIG. 2a shows an outward-facing view of the belt or waist pack component of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2b shows a front view of the vest component of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the vest components and the release mechanism of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows details of a rear view of the vest component of an embodiment of the present invention with a hydration bladder.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an alternative belt component and vest component attachment mechanism in accord with another alternative embodiment of the present invention

FIGS. 6a-b shows back and side views, respectively, of a vest component with a sleeve configuration in accord with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a-c show outward-facing, inward-facing, and top views, respectively, of an alternative fastener attachment and electronic device support system for a belt component in accord with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiment or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims in this patent.

FIGS. 1a-d and 2-4 show separated and assembled views of an assembly 10 of the present invention. The basic components of this embodiment include a waist pack or belt component 20 and a vest component 30. The belt component 20 of this embodiment is of a hydration/utility variety, including a number of fasteners 22 for detachable holding hydration bottles and/or one or more pockets 24 which may include zippers or similar structure for securing the contents therein, and well as a clasp 26 for fastening and placing the load on the wearer's hips. Such pockets 24 may be used for holding nutrition, hydration, valuables, electronic devices, or the like.

The vest component 30 has a front 32 and a back 34 and includes one or more clasps 36 or similar fasteners (typically on the front 32) for releasably securing the vest component 30 to the wearer. The front 32 and back 34 may include reflective materials, such as on the borders of the panels as a safety measure. Like belt component 20, the vest component 30 includes optionally one or more pockets 38, such as slit pockets, zippered pockets and expandable pockets for detachable holding hydration bottles and/or belt loops 40 so as to center the weight load on the wearer's chest and/or back. In addition, the vest component 30 includes a belt attachment mechanism 50 which allows the user to secure the belt component 20 thereto. Finally, the vest mechanism 30 in this embodiment may include a bladder 42 and a dispensing tube 44 for holding and delivering water or other fluid in situ.

The belt attachment mechanism 50 the preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 is a drop down mechanism that releases a flap 46 across the back 34 of the vest component 30 such that the belt component 20 can be attached or detached as desired. The attachment mechanism further includes a snap or zipper 52 for attaching and detaching the flap 46, although those of skill in the art having the present teaching will understand that alternative structure to the snap 52 (magnets, buckles, etc. j may be used. Further, as can be seen with this embodiment, the snap 52 and flap 46 can secure the belt component 20 to the vest component 30 such that the belt component 20 does not have to be deployed, i.e., the belt component does not have to be clasped around the wearer. Alternatively, the belt component 20 can be fastened to act as the lowest clasp on the vest component 30. That is, the wearer can deploy and wear the vest component 30, the belt component 20 or both. Additionally the wearer can tighten or loosen each of the belt and/or vest component as they wish. This feature further allows a wearer to employ the weight load from a wearer chest/back to the hips as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 6 a-b, and 7 a-c, the present disclosure encompasses alternative belt attachment mechanisms 50 that do not require a flap 46 for securing the belt component 20 to the vest component 30. Such alternatives include a direct fastener 60 (i.e., with or without a flap 46) or a sleeve 70 (without a fastener). One example of a direct fastener 50 would be a magnet 62 on the belt component 20 to mate with a corresponding magnet 60 on the vest component 30, such as Fidlock SNAP Fasteners.

Further, the present disclosure encompasses combining the present assembly 10 with an electronic device support assembly 80, as shown in FIGS. 7a-c . In this embodiment, the belt component 20 includes a charger pocket 28 with an attachment aperture 29 which enables attachment via a lightning, USB, or similar connector to a cell phone or other electronic device (not shown). As can be understood by reference to this teaching, such a pocket and attachment can likewise be used within the vest component 30. Thus, with such alternative embodiments, the wearer can easily switch between form factors, and can further support any necessary electronic devices in situ.

The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function, or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims. 

We claim:
 1. A selectively attachable hydration vest and removable waist pack assembly for a wearer participating in exercise comprising: a. a hydration vest comprising shoulder straps, a back portion connecting the shoulder straps, a liquid containing bladder integrated with the back portion, and a front clasp for securing to a wearer; b. a waist pack comprising a front clasp and a utility element selected from the group consisting of an integrated bladder, at least one pocket for holding a removable water bottle, at least one pocket for retaining nutrition, at least one pocket for retaining a cell phone and at least one water bottle holder; and c. a releasable sleeve located on the hydration vest for releasably securing the waist pack to the hydration vest and allowing the user to access and use the waist pack without requiring securing the front clasp of the waist pack.
 2. The selectively attachable hydration vest and removable waist pack assembly of claim 1, further comprising a magnet attached to the back portion of the hydration vest, and a mating magnet on the waist pack to connect to the magnet attached to the back portion of the hydration vest to further secure the attachment therebetween.
 3. A selectively attachable hydration vest and removable waist pack assembly for a wearer participating in exercise comprising: a) a hydration vest comprising shoulder straps, a back portion connecting the shoulder straps, a liquid containing bladder integrated with the back portion, and a front clasp for securing to a wearer; b) a waist pack comprising a front clasp and a separable first pocket for retaining a cell phone, a second pocket for retaining an electric charger and an opening for inserting an electrical connector therebetween so as to charge the cell phone while retained in the first pocket; and c) a releasable sleeve located on the waist pack for releasably securing the waist pack to the hydration vest and allowing the user to access and use the waist pack without requiring securing the front clasp of the waist pack.
 4. A selectively attachable hydration vest and removable waist pack assembly for a wearer participating in exercise comprising: a) a hydration vest comprising shoulder straps, a back portion connecting the shoulder straps, a liquid containing bladder integrated with the back portion, and a front clasp for securing to a wearer; b) waist pack comprising a front clasp and a separable first pocket for retaining a cell phone, a second pocket for retaining an electric charger and an opening for inserting an electrical connector therebetween so as to charge the cell phone while retained in the first pocket, and a hydration element selected from the group consisting of an integrated bladder, at least one pocket for holding a removable water bottle, and at least one pocket for retaining nutrition; and c) a releasable sleeve located on the hydration vest for releasably securing the waist pack to the hydration vest and allowing the user to access and use the waist pack without requiring securing the front clasp of the waist pack. 